About this item
Highlights
- "...this book is uncompromising, authentic, deep and true.
- Author(s): Christina Larson
- 332 Pages
- Biography + Autobiography, Personal Memoirs
Description
Book Synopsis
"...this book is uncompromising, authentic, deep and true." - Michael DeMaria, Bestselling author of Peace Within and four-time Grammy nominee
An end-of-life story of awe, Rosemary, Now and Then ventures back and forth through death's door with stark truths, vibrant compassion, and afterlife intrigue. Strokes untether Rosemary from known reality, yet dementia uplifts her spirit, compelling her paramedic daughter to reconsider definitions of mental disorder in particular and the nature of death in general. A clever nurse translates dementia findings into a poetic image for family: "Rosemary's brain is like lace."
Fine threads of brilliance weave intricate Irish-veil thoughts through her filigree mind. Her three-year-old self emerges, radiant and quizzical. Grappling with the nature of existence, Rosemary laughs her way to the grave. Devoted daughter Christina devises caregiving innovations and connects dots of amazing coincidences. Paradoxes of mortality balance gravity with hilarity, pain with joy, absurdity with wisdom, practicality with mysticism.
The "Now and Then" format depicts leaps in time, place, and person that challenge reality, in league with Rosemary's mind.
A journey of wit, wisdom, and sheer determination, Rosemary's story concludes with her signature cinnamon bun recipe for readers to bake and share with loved ones . . . as Rosemary would do.
Review Quotes
Honorable Recognition by THE INTERNATIONAL FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD 2025
Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for Nonfiction 2025
Bestselling author of Peace Within and four-time Grammy nominee, Michael DeMaria says, "Rosemary: Now and Then promises to be a tour de force from a unique and compassionate voice. Written by a gifted and soulful human being, this book is uncompromising, authentic, deep and true. Anyone who invests in this project won't be disappointed." (https: //www.michaeldemaria.com/)
And Michael Dowd, author of Thank God for Evolution, wrote, "Making the most of life in the face of it all, Rosemary sets an example for every one of us. She dabbles her toes into eternity, splashes about in laughter, and then wades in, leaving vital inspiration in her wake." (https: //www.thankgodforevolution.com/category/blog)
"Filled with joy, sorrow, understanding, and compassion-all interwoven with an abiding sense of hope, I found myself uplifted by the ways Rosemary honors a mother's life, especially the final chapter on afterlife. Rosemary, Now and Then is more than a tribute; it's an inspiring 'how-to' guide for navigating the complexities of caregiving while celebrating a life well-lived. Thank you, Paramedic Larson, for your service. Thank you, Author Larson, for sharing your encouraging story and for reminding us of the beauty and resilience found in the bonds of love." - Jean Mader for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio